Archives for May 2017

When I think of Provider Appreciation Day, (PAD) I can’t help but smile! OH MY WORD is there a special day dedicated to us? Am I dreaming? Is this real?

But as excited as I am, I also feel hesitation and doubt. Would daycare families acknowledge this day? Would anybody say thank you? Perhaps you are like me: you want to be excited yet you don’t want to be disappointed.

So now what?

Let me share a SURVIVAL GUIDE TO PAD:

#1 Remind yourself how FABULOUS you are.

Today is YOUR day and you are worth celebrating! Don’t feel bad about it! You matter! Treat yourself to something you love. Shopping anyone? Starbucks? New purse? Steak dinner? Uninterrupted nap time? Bubble bath? The sky is your limit. Go for it!

#2 Remember, some people are not good at saying “thank you” or showing recognition.

#3 Recognize that providers will be posting pictures of their cards, gifts, and flowers on social medial.

If that’s going to bug you, don’t steal their joy but instead stay off social media for a day.

#4 Read what parents said when I asked them what they appreciate about daycare providers.

You gonna love their answers because – they get it! Good parents still exist. Go find them and do business with them:

~ “We loved so much about our providers! They had a great way of working together – structured, yet fluid. Because there were two of them, they were able to get outside with the kids A LOT! They were invested in the lives of the families at their daycare. They truly cared on a personal level which was such a blessing. They were very accommodating to special dietary needs, schedules, etc. They handled the kids with ease. They are both laid back and kind personalities and their demeanor set the tone for the daycare. The kids loved and respected them.”
Jen

~ “We appreciated the fact she used to be a teacher. We liked she was structured and she had a no nonsense approach to the rules for children. We felt that our kids were protected and safe, which was our number 1 concern. Whenever there was an illness that came through daycare she posted it on the board. She was great with communication. We received daily written reports of behavior and food. We really appreciated her attention to detail. She was also very on top of the kiddos having all their items (hats, gloves, backpacks). Nothing was left behind.Lastly, we felt she truly loved our children, that was comforting.”
Sarah

~ “What I appreciate/love the most is that I know I’m bringing my kiddos to someone who loves them equally as much as I do! They want to see them succeed, know their likes and dislikes, and understand them on a level only parents and maybe grandparents do.What I really enjoyed about a previous daycare provider is how she was able to provider structure and stability to my strong willed child. She also helped nurture her empathy and the meaning of friendships. She also share our same beliefs and was able to enforce values we were teaching at home.Our current daycare provider is different, but still amazing with our strong willed daughter. She really understands our daughter and does really well with her. Lastly, daycare providers are always there for you. They are going through all the stages with you and are always making themselves available. Providers are awesome!”
Dee

#5 Relax, it’s Friday! Do I need to say more?

Seriously, who doesn’t like weekends.

That’s it! Five simple steps to help you make today AMAZING!

Now go and celebrate! Perhaps all weekend long? Happy PAD! Thank you for all you do and the wonderful person you are!

Being a daycare provider is our job, not a hobby. Daycare providers are not babysitters unless parents want to pay us $10-15 per hour! Then we will happily become your daily babysitters!

When daycare providers get an unexpected day off, it feels like Christmas morning. Best gift ever! Don’t judge us.

We can change diapers in record time. Try us, we will beat you every time.

We get mad when parents don’t pay us on time, just like you would if you weren’t paid on time. Don’t believe me? Then have your boss pay you a few days later than your payday. Did you panic a little?

We know more about families and their home life than what we want to know. “Thank you, little ones, for all the entertaining stories.” Don’t be embarrassed. It’s called – having talkative and observant kids.

Drop-off and pick-up times often bring us anxiety as these are the most stressful times of the day. Parents, your kid is not your boss. So don’t let him/her push you around! Be in charge.

Some parents think we get paid for doing nothing. Oh yeah. Why don’t we trade jobs for a day! It’s harder than you think.

Nap-time is that sacred moment when we can finally go to the bathroom without being interrupted.

Yes, your kids do tell us they love us. But it doesn’t make them love you any less. Trust me.

No, we don’t pretend to be their Moms. But in reality, they are spending 11 hours a day with us. So sometimes, they do call us “Mom”.

Socks! Every daycare provider’s nightmare. Kids take them off all day long. So please bring an extra pair to keep us sane.

Rainy days can be a disaster for any daycare provider unless parents bring rain coats and rain boots for the kiddos. Then rainy days turn into the best days at daycare.

We are smarter than you think. Yes, we know you gave your child Tylenol before they came, so they are feeling “okay” at drop-off. But guess what? Four hours later, the Tylenol is going to wane-off, and we will be calling you at work to pick up your child! Not fun for everyone involved! And that includes your child.

We did not write our contract because we thought you need an extra book to read. We wrote a contract so you know what we are all about; which will help you decide if we are the right fit for your family. You’re welcome!

Vacation time is our life-line. We need a break from our home and we need a break from the kiddos. Everybody is going to be happy when a daycare provider is happy! Trust me on this one. Don’t fight “vacation” with any daycare provider.

We like to look nice like everyone else. But seriously… after changing way-too-many diapers, cooking, crafting, teaching, cleaning and working 11-hour days, we may not look our best at pick-up. Don’t you dare say anything! Just smile politely, and bring us a brownie.

Most daycare providers love coffee. Actually, it’s even more serious than that; we are addicted to coffee! No, we don’t need an intervention. But we do need you to show up with a hot cup of coffee once in a while.

Fruit snacks are our secret weapon. We buy them in bulk. I’ve never met a child who didn’t like fruit snacks.

The last hour of work is the longest and hardest hour of the day. It goes slow. So parents, feel free to pick up your little ones earlier… anytime!

We are not a restaurant. Therefore, there are no menus at daycare. We make the same thing for all the kiddos unless there are allergies involved.

As much as we would like to be friends with daycare parents, it’s always best to avoid mixing friendships and business. But easier said than done!

Daycare providers hate Mondays, just like everyone else. But that does not mean we hate your children.

We want to quit almost every single day, but we never do. Your kids put some spell on us and we can’t stop loving them!

We have a life outside of daycare. Boom! Shocker! I know.

People think we are crazy for becoming a daycare provider, and they are probably right. But we love what we do – we’re making a huge difference by investing in young children!